Time zone
GMT +08:00
No time difference
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
1SGD = 3.18MYR
Official languages
Malay
Best time to visit
FEB - APR
Dry season offers clear skies and good diving conditions.
Recommended trip duration
3 days
Top things to do in Kota Kinabalu
Bongawan Mangrove River Cruise & Fireflies with Infinity Dream Beach Sunset Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
Small group
(1.3K) • 20K+ booked
S$ 48.70
Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
(841) • 10K+ booked
From
S$ 92.69
Klook's choice
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
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Private tour
English guided
(145) • 2K+ booked
S$ 51.05
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
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English guided
Morning departure
(873) • 10K+ booked
S$ 39.29
Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah
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English guided
Free cancellation
(94) • 3K+ booked
S$ 52.65
Klook's choice
From
S$ 91.15
Kiulu White Water Rafting with Optional Peri Firefly Tour in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
(105) • 2K+ booked
S$ 50.29
Mount Kinabalu Climb via Timpohon Trail with Private Guide
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
(49) • 1K+ booked
From
S$ 527.85
Tandem Paragliding Experience in Borneo Ranau & Kokol Hill
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English guided
Up to 3 hrs
(116) • 4K+ booked
S$ 56.55
Klook's choice
Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah
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English guided
Afternoon departure
(215) • 4K+ booked
S$ 44.15
Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Full-Day Tour
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Hotel pick-up
English guided
(1.0K) • 10K+ booked
S$ 72.29
Sabah Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and Desa Dairy Farm Day Tour
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English guided
Free cancellation
(125) • 1K+ booked
S$ 59.09
Top attractions in Kota Kinabalu
Historical site
Atkinson Clock Tower
Step into the rich history of Kota Kinabalu with a visit to the iconic Atkinson Clock Tower, also known as Menara Jam Atkinson. Discover the timeless charm of this historic structure, which stands as a symbol of resilience and heritage in Sabah. Built in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton, the Atkinson Clock Tower offers a glimpse into the past and pays tribute to the city's enduring spirit.
Tourist sight
Masjid Bandaraya
Discover the enchanting Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Likas Floating Mosque, a stunning architectural gem inspired by Arabic design. Situated on the Likas coast with a sprawling 14.83-hectare area, this mosque can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers at a time. Officially opened on February 18, 2000, following Kota Kinabalu's declaration as a city, this mosque boasts features reminiscent of Masjid Nabawi, with nearly 70% of its area surrounded by water. Located just 5km north of the city, this mosque is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking cultural and historical experiences in Kota Kinabalu.
Museum
Sabah State Museum
Welcome to the Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, a hidden gem perched on a hill overlooking the city. Dive into the rich history and culture of Sabah, a region known for its wildlife, trade history, and diverse ethnic groups. Explore a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and galleries that showcase the diverse traditions and history of this Malaysian state.
Scenic spot
Tun Mustapha Tower
Experience the awe-inspiring Tun Mustapha Tower in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Standing tall at 122 meters with 30 stories of glass, this iconic tower offers a mesmerizing view of Likas Harbour. Built in 1976 by the renowned Mori Building Company, this unique landmark combines modern architecture with historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking panoramic views and cultural insights. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this architectural marvel as you explore its revolving floor and learn about its transformation from Sabah Foundation Tower to Tun Mustapha Tower. With an exhibition hall inside and free entry, this tower offers a captivating experience for visitors.
Island
Sepanggar Island
Discover the remote and enchanting Sepanggar Island, a hidden gem surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Kota Kinabalu. Embrace the island's serene rhythm and immerse yourself in nature's beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu city and discover the hidden gem of Sepanggar Island. Just a short 12-minute boat ride away, this tranquil paradise offers a serene getaway for those seeking a peaceful seaside retreat. Uncover the untouched beauty of Sepanggar Island, a place where you can relax on white sandy beaches, explore lush tropical rainforests, and enjoy a variety of water activities. Embark on a journey to the tranquil and leisurely Sepanggar Island in Kota Kinabalu, where the sound of nature serenades visitors and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, this island paradise beckons travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Transport in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu｜Kota Kinabalu International Airport Private Airport Transfer
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
(1.4K) • 7K+ booked
From
S$ 10.59
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
(43) • 400+ booked
S$ 244.15
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Hertz
8K+ booked
From
S$ 112
/day Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik Island Ferry
Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(97) • 2K+ booked
S$ 29.85
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
(23) • 300+ booked
S$ 98.65
Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
From
S$ 188.97
From
S$ 231.3
From
S$ 116.91
From
S$ 45.52
From
S$ 51.57
From
S$ 69.64
S$ 70.35
From
S$ 37.34
S$ 37.71
From
S$ 49.29
From
S$ 32.39
From
S$ 100.46
From
S$ 98.29
From
S$ 104.73
Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities
Wong ****
2026-06-16 14:52:59
Five-star experience! Five-star trip! A perfect journey!
Our tour guide, Sue, contacted us via WhatsApp the night before and was incredibly patient in answering all our questions. She also helped us take photos throughout the trip without any hesitation. Some of our group members had very high expectations for photography, and Sue was surprisingly patient in helping them get their shots.
It's worth noting that our group was a combination of several smaller groups, but all the guides knew each other, so they were great at creating a lively atmosphere. One guide constantly played music through a loudspeaker, which really boosted the mood, and they even matched the theme – for example, playing Jay Chou's "Rice Field" when we were watching fireflies! Truly professional!
Be aware that the local mosquitoes are very aggressive and aren't deterred by mosquito repellent, so that's something to keep in mind.
The sunset there is stunning! We had plenty of time for free activities and taking photos. My first snorkeling experience was also amazing. The only downside was that some people in our group might have been afraid of water, so we had to accommodate them and couldn't visit more spots. We ended up staying at one spot for about an hour.
You can rent a locker on the island for HKD $60, but you honestly don't need to; no one is going to steal your belongings on a deserted island...
Watching the fireflies is an absolutely unforgettable experience! Photos can't capture the awe-inspiring sight; you'll understand once you go!
P.S. The meeting time that day was 7 AM! So it was a very early start, but totally worth it.
Klook会員
2026-08-17 07:39:22
It was such a wonderful experience! Our guide, Sui, was incredibly kind and helpful, which made us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the entire day. We truly enjoyed every moment. Thank you so much! I would definitely recommend this experience to everyone!
Klook User
2026-06-18 02:39:32
me and my husband booked onto this trip a bit last minute, just the day before. we had confirmation texts straight away, pick up times and reg details of the car that would be picking us up in the morning. it arrived a few mins early and we were driven to the nearby jetty where two guides were waiting for just two of us. we were issued life jackets and snorkels and after a 20 minute wait, we boarded our speed boat over to the first island, Manukan. it is absolutely stunning, white sand fringed by huge forest trees giving lots of shade, clear blue sea with an abundance of fish swimming around our feet. unfortunately there was also a lot of rubbish in the sea, plastic bottles and packaging everywhere, such a shame that people treat our beautiful planet like this, it’s a national park and we could see people collecting rubbish off the sand but not possible in the sea. we stayed for 3 hours and were bought lunch before going on to Sapi. Both beautiful islands and we had a lovely day.
yun *****
2026-05-28 19:14:08
It was nice that it wasn't crowded. There were many cheap options, but the reviews weren't good, so I carefully read the reviews and chose this one, and it was definitely a good choice. Our guide diligently found all the best spots for us, and I'm so grateful. We saw lobsters, Nemo, and more.
클룩 고객
2026-08-19 13:23:27
Manukan Island wasn't bad, but I highly recommend Mamutik Island. I took two tours and visited Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik, and Manukan Islands, and Mamutik Island was the best of the four. It wasn't just because the weather was great that day; the coral reefs on that island were so well-formed that I saw more fish there than on all three other islands combined. I wish the water had been a bit clearer on the day I went, but it was still truly beautiful and wonderful. The guide was also very kind and excellent. I highly recommend it!
Chung *****
2026-10-25 06:58:46
Good quality! Introductory scuba diving is definitely worth a try! The equipment is basic, but has everything you need. Since I have 900 degrees of nearsightedness, the instructor later found a prescription mask for me. There were three other people from English-speaking countries that day, and although I was the only Chinese speaker in the group, they assigned a Chinese-speaking instructor just for me. It was a pretty great experience!
Nurul ***********
2026-11-02 08:44:50
super recommended!! the staff were very helpful and friendly. u can even make payment on the spot which is really convenient. my friend, who has tried paragliding with another company before recommended this one over the first company she went with. they even took photos of me without having to ask and i got the best shot up in the sky! kudos to the team for going the extra mile. highly recommended and i will definitely doing this again!!! 👏🏻
Aik *******
2026-06-25 06:50:19
Everything is very well arranged and organised. Right from picked up till end of hike. The accommodation lodge at Kinabalu park was fantastic. The hike was rather tough though especially the one at 2.30am to the summit. Need to pay addition to the guide and transport back to accommodation as exceeded the stipulated time though.
邱 **
2026-08-20 12:57:42
Mount Sossodikon offers incredibly beautiful views and is great value for money. The ATV ride is a lot of fun. It would be safer for beginners to practice riding before setting off. There's road construction along the way with many engineering vehicles; the mountain road is steep, and there are no guardrails, making it both thrilling and a bit scary. However, the local residents are very friendly and wave as you pass by.
Kota Kinabalu at a glance
Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu
General info
What to know before visiting Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu at a glance
Kota Kinabalu is a hub for Tours, Water activities and Cultural experiences, with Cruises and Massages also commonly booked on Klook. The city's rhythm through the year sees a clear high in January and quieter pockets in February and March, according to Klook booking data, so outdoor and island activities often cluster around the busier months while cultural and wellness options remain steady. If you must pick when to book experiences, weigh the atmosphere you want: choose between lively peak-season energy and quieter off-peak calm — data above is from Klook booking data.
Best time to visit and price trends
Kota Kinabalu’s busiest month is January, when demand rises notably, while February is the quietest month on Klook booking data. Prices move through the year too: the typical paid price peaks in March and drops to its lowest in August, so peak demand and priciest prices don’t fully overlap. That means January brings atmosphere, March tends to be pricier, and August is usually the most affordable month with smaller crowds. For lower prices and quieter visits aim for August or October–November, while those wanting the liveliest vibe should consider January.
| Month | Demand Level | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| January | Busier than usual | SGD 68 |
| February | Quieter than usual | SGD 64 |
| March | Quieter than usual | SGD 80 |
| April | Busier than usual | SGD 73 |
| May | About average | SGD 64 |
| June | Busier than usual | SGD 59 |
| July | Busier than usual | SGD 71 |
| August | About average | SGD 53 |
| September | About average | SGD 66 |
| October | Quieter than usual | SGD 53 |
| November | Quieter than usual | SGD 66 |
| December | About average | SGD 54 |
Demand is bookings in that month compared with a typical month, from historical Klook booking data, grouped into the demand levels above; typical price is the median paid on Klook in that month; prices are shown with their currency code. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.
Tips for travellers from Singapore
Most travellers from Singapore lock in experiences about 4 days ahead, though the earliest planners often book up to two weeks out. That means you can be flexible and book short-notice island trips or tours a few days before travel, but for January and March — when demand or prices rise — consider securing popular activities earlier. Use Klook to compare typical options and snag confirmed bookings without the last-minute rush; Klook booking data shows short advance windows are common, so plan around peak months if you want more choice.
FAQs about Kota Kinabalu
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What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?
What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?
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